John Legend on The Voice Last Night

Last night marked the official premiere of Season 9 of The Voice with coaches John Legend, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton and Camila Cabello going all-out to find their ideal singers during Blind Auditions. Battles began soon thereafter alongside plenty of good-natured banter to get things underway.

Blake Shelton made it no secret he would leave after 23 seasons as coach on American Idol. On Tuesday at Ralph Lauren’s 2023 Spring-Summer fashion show in Paris, John Legend admitted he will miss him “a lot.” Legend pointed out Shelton brought both unique vocal talent and beautiful energy to the show that will be hard to replace.

This season’s competition is shaping up to be an epic showdown, as there were some shocking eliminations during the live results show and it seems likely that one of Team Shelton’s singers may need to leave after this week’s episode.

Teams Shelton, Legend and Stefani all have two artists advancing to the finals – but it will be difficult for anyone to decide. Four artists with the highest votes automatically advance, while all others perform again for an Instant Save vote which may only send one artist through to the finale.

Maelyn Jarmon from Team Shelton ultimately earned Legend his fourth victory of this debut season (after Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys and Usher). However, this battle round of Live Cross Battles only represents one chance to claim success; other teams may still come through and claim victory!

Team Shelton’s Parijita Bastola and duo partner The Marilynds from Team Shelton were the highlight of the evening, performing an outstanding rendition of “Suspicious Minds” by The BeeGees – impressing judges who called them an outstanding choice to sing together as part of the finale duet performance.

John Legend challenged Peyton Hillis and Devix to perform Coldplay’s “R U Mine?” Shelton is convinced she’s an outstanding performer who can adapt any song and turn it into her own performance, while Camila believes she has natural stage presence.

Brayden Lape and Hillary Torchiana from Team Shelton impressed all three judges with their rendition of John Legend’s “Preach.” Blake complimented Hillary for capturing its depth, while John expressed regret at not being included on Team Legend during their Blind Audition.